LSU Three Keys: Southeastern Louisiana

Three-keys-LSU

That was very encouraging.

LSU mowed down Miami and Mark Richt this past weekend, getting the season off to a roaring start and justifying the idea that this team can finish second in the SEC West, which would be a tremendous feat. Auburn beat Washington.

By Matt Zemek
Mississippi State could be good. If LSU can climb past both teams and – with that win over Miami in the bank – finish 10-2, it should be good to go for a New Year’s Six bowl bid, which would be commensurate with the Tigers’ talent and prove that Ed Orgeron has a firm handle on this job.

LSU took a big step forward, but it’s only one step and one game. Before SEC play begins, there are certainly aspects of this team which need to be tightened up so that the Tigers will be able to display efficiency and discipline throughout the season, not just in isolated spots.

Against Southeastern Louisiana, victory is not a worry. It will happen. LSU needs to focus on these primary areas of development:

1 – MORE THAN A GAME MANAGER

Joe Burrow did not make the big mistake against Miami, checking the main boxes the coaches set out for him. Burrow met the basic requirements and needs of the situation. Now he needs to take the next step, which is to become more than a game manager. Against high-level opposition such as Alabama and Auburn, LSU will need to produce big plays, the kinds of plays which have generally been lacking in recent years. LSU will not come back from 20 points down against Auburn two straight years. This team has to be able to get on top of opponents, and that often requires the ability to throw haymakers. Burrow and his receivers need to be able to stretch the field when needed.

Naturally, LSU wants to be able to play smashmouth offense and display superiority at the point of attack. Against a number of SEC opponents, that will be a very doable task, but against some defenses, it might not be realistic. Alabama has punished LSU for being unable to hit the home run.

Burrow probably won’t become 2013 Zach Mettenberger, but he needs to develop his long-ball skills and touch nevertheless. LSU will need that capacity later on in the season.

2 – REFINING TECHNIQUE

LSU caught Miami’s defense in a misalignment on the long touchdown run which turned this past Sunday’s game in the Tigers’ favor. That was a great check at the line of scrimmage by Burrow, who showed a high football IQ in making that adjustment. I mention that because LSU took advantage of a defensive mistake. The question must be raised, though: What if defenses do not misalign or make other mistakes? This offense will have to win battles straight-up.

This is a game in which LSU offensive linemen need to sharpen their blocking techniques and become even more sound for the road ahead.

3 – DEFENSIVE HABITS

Miami played a terrible game. LSU had a lot to do with that, but it bears repeating that the Tigers’ opponent stumbled and bumbled. LSU’s defense can’t look at film study and think that it can coast through this game. This is a time to develop a killer instinct and winning tendencies.

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